There would be no comeback this time. No. 13 Gilbert Highland used a steady rushing attack and a stellar defense that forced four turnovers in upsetting No. 4 Phoenix Desert Vista 16-0 Friday night in the first round of the Class 5A-I playoffs.

“We believe we can hang with anyone,” said Highland quarterback Drew Davis, who threw for 66 yards and a touchdown . “Our record might not show that right now, but tonight we proved it: We can hang with anyone.”

The Thunder (8-3), who had come back from second-half deficits twice late in the season, couldn’t muster much on offense Friday.

The game turned when junior quarterback Cody Sokol was drilled early in the first quarter while trying to hit a streaking Spencer Chase in the end zone. The pass was tipped and intercepted, and Sokol missed the rest of the first half.

He was replaced by senior Cole Pembroke, the Thunder’s starter a year ago who moved to defense full time this season. But Pembroke’s throwing shoulder had been hurt early in the season, and wasn’t able to pass – forcing Desert Vista to run the ball.

“Obviously it hurt us a lot,” said Thunder coach Dan Hinds. “Cole did a great job when he got in there, but they figured it out pretty quick that we couldn’t throw the ball.”

The Hawks (7-4) didn’t allow Desert Vista’s offense to find anything of a rhythm, and took a 13-0 lead into the break thanks to two Josh Zahn field goals and a 15-yard touchdown pass from Davis to James Pazos.

Though Sokol returned in the second half, DV’s offensive woes continued. His first completed pass was fumbled by Marcus Washington and recovered by Highland’s Blake Edwards.

When Desert Vista did reach Hawks territory, Highland came up with a huge stop on fourth down at its own 11-yard line.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” said Highland coach Pete Wahlheim.